Students in Yosemite

Discover the Wonder & Science of Nature

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Welcome to

NatureBridge

Our mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. Through our overnight, hands-on environmental science programs, we take more than 35,000 children and teens each year into our national parks to explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with the environment.

Recent

News & Stories from the Field

Program chaperones in Yosemite
Stories from the field

Donor Spotlight: Joy Walters

After years of bringing students to NatureBridge in Yosemite, Joy Walters decided to deepen her commitment to getting kids outside by joining NatureBridge's monthly giving program. Read about how her experiences in the field inspired her philanthropic support.

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Kia at NatureBridge in Yosemite in the 5th grade
Stories from the field

14 Years After NatureBridge

In the 5th grade, Kia went on a field trip to NatureBridge in Yosemite that would shape the rest of his life. 14 years later, he reflects on that trip and how it influenced his path today.

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The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska
Stories from the field

Descent of the Refuge

In 2018, NatureBridge Olympic Science and Education Manager Chris Morgan won the Baxter Award—an internal grant that aims to promote personal growth, adventure and the professional development of NatureBridge staff. Chris’s proposal was two-fold: experience the deep wilderness of the Brooks Range and the great migration of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.

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Outside Still Open

Outside Still Open

During these unprecedented times, one thing remains: nature. The outside is still open and continues to offer a space of much-needed respite and healing. Best of all, the outdoors can also offer plenty of opportunities for learning activities—both inside and out.

At-Home Activities
Experience our

Programs

School & Group Environmental Science Programs

Our multi-day programs get students from grades 4-12 out of the classroom and into nature where they’ll learn scientific concepts first-hand and use them in real-time all while connecting to themselves, each other and the environment.

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Students backpacking in Yosemite

Summer Programs

From backpacking programs to summer day camps, a summer with NatureBridge is one spent outside, exploring and learning in our national parks.

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TEEM students at NatureBridge Golden Gate

Leadership Programs

Our national park classrooms inspire stewardship, self-discovery and a love for science. They also transform students into leaders. In Yosemite and Golden Gate, our year-round leadership programs empower high school students to become the leaders of tomorrow, today.

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Families hike in the Marin Headlands

Family Programs

Join us on the trails, at the beach and in the woods to connect with your loved ones while exploring a national park and learning about environmental science. All programs are led by our experienced educators and all ages are welcome.

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Explore our

Locations

NatureBridge campus at Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

In the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park is home to one of the world’s most striking and iconic views—towering granite domes, gushing waterfalls and diverse habitats provide the perfect setting for hands-on environmental science education.

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Kids hike in Goga

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area sits historic Coastal Miwok land and modern day Marin Headlands. Our historic WWII military campus is surrounded by miles of trails along unique rock formations, through wildflowers, with scenic views of the beach and coastline.

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NatureBridge at Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

Home to alpine ridges, temperate rainforest, and rugged coastline, Olympic National Park boasts three stunning, distinct ecosystems. Amidst it all, the NatureBridge campus sits on the shore of glacially-carved Lake Crescent. Trails lead from the steps of our historic cabins to lush, old growth forest and salmon-filled waterways.

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Students in the Santa Monica Mountains

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area & Channel Islands National Park

Rugged mountaintops, fresh saltwater spray and breathtaking views—only miles from Los Angeles, yet worlds away from the indoor classroom. It’s the park in LA’s backyard with rugged mountains that meet the vast ocean at its base. And just a few miles off its coast are the Channel Islands—these other worldly islands are home to some of the most unique species on earth.

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creek in Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park

Tucked away in the largest green space of the DC Metro Area is a hidden world of tall trees and clear streams. Prince William Forest's unbroken Piedmont forest ecosystem houses miles of trails that run through the park, offering new creeks, lakes, waterfalls and rare flowers at every turn.

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Field Notes

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